Richard Bloch, one of the co-founders of the Phoenix Suns franchise, passed away on Monday. He was 89.
Bloch was the Suns’ president and controlling partner in 1968, the team’s first season in the NBA. He hired Jerry Colangelo to be the first general manager in franchise history. Colangelo would eventually become the team’s majority owner.
“He meant everything. He was the individual who had enough faith and confidence in me as a very young guy in professional sports to hire me,” Colangelo told ABC15. “So, I’ve always felt like I’ve owed so much to him for giving me that opportunity.